A newly qualified social worker (NQSW) is a social worker who is registered with Social Work England and is in their first year of post qualifying practice. A NQSW can undertake their ASYE on a full time or part time basis (dependent upon their contract of employment).
The ASYE programme is designed to provide twelve months of developmental support for NQSWs. It’s important to understand that the ASYE is not a training course, it's a progamme to support the progressive development of social work practice. It's been provided because the profession values NQSWs and understands the importance of an effective framework of support at the beginning of their social work career.
We encourage NQSWs to be active participants in their ASYE programme.
Assessment standards
The assessment standards for the ASYE programme are set out in the post-qualifying standards (PQS) (formerly known as the Knowledge and Skills Statements (KSS) and the PCF at ASYE level. A NQSW evidences their progessive development to this assement standard using specific pieces of evidence.
ASYE portfolio
You are required to complete two critical reflections.
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First critical reflection (0 to 6 months)
A suggested guide of 2,000 words and should include links to the PQS, PCF and have academic references linked to social work theories and methods as well as references to your organisation.
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Second critical reflection (6- 12 months)
A written piece (2,000 words) or a presentation and should contain references to the PQS, PCF, academic references, and policies/procedures/legislation.
There is 小黄片app guidance if you choose to deliver a presentation, there is guidance to help you and also the feedback sheet that observers use that you may find useful.
PDF - 106Kb
Guidance on things you should could consider when writing your presentation and how to prepare for and deliver it
Word document - 37Kb
Guidance on providing feedback to a NQSWs presentation and information about the the asessment criteria
Social Work England – Continuing Professional Development
NQSW's must be a registered social worker with Social Work England to start and complete your ASYE. Once registered you will be required to re-register with Social Work England (for an annual fee) between 1st September and 30th November each year.
Meeting the to re-register is essential. You can use the evidence from your ASYE to evidence your first years’ CPD.
NQSW network
Be part of a community of NQSWs who are learning, growing and developing together. The network provides opportunities to share experiences, gain practical insights, build professional connections and help shape future support for NQSWs.
Topic: Explore political literacy in social work and learn how understanding policy, systems and decision-making can strengthen your practice, advocacy and professional development.
- Monday 25 February | 10:00 - 13:00 | Online | Save the date
Group for Ethnic Minority Social Workers (GEMS) NQSW network
Join a supportive professional community where global ethnic majority social workers can connect, share experiences and learn from one another. Through open discussion, peer support and shared learning, the network provides opportunities to build confidence, expand professional networks and explore career development.
Topic: Join Christina Channer, PhD researcher at the University of Bedfordshire, as she shares research on the underrepresentation of Black women in social work leadership, followed by reflection and discussion facilitated by Soyeb Aswat.
- Thursday 19 November 2026 | 10:00 - 12:00 -
Research in Practice (RiP) and Community Care Inform (CCI)
Your organisation may be a member of and/or Community Care Inform. If so you will be able to access some useful information related to your role as a NQSW and your ASYE.
You can access your CCI log in for dependent on your organisation’s subscription rights.